Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy Leader for outlining the Order of Business.

I note that the European Commission has announced that it is launching a formal anti-trust investigation into Insurance Ireland after claims that it could be operating a cartel or engaging in cartel-like behaviour by restricting access to its database which contains information on claims and people who make frequent claims related to accidents and so on. It is an unprecedented move by the European Union to investigate a body like Insurance Ireland and I hope it can put to bed, one way or the other, the suggestions of engaging in cartel-like behaviour. I am Vice Chairman of the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach which has engaged in a considerable discussion on all forms of insurance, particularly motor insurance but also public liability and employer's liability insurance. We have seen festivals and various other community activities curtailed and cancelled because of high insurance costs. I believe the investigation is particularly related to motor insurance. It is welcome that the European Union will investigate the issue. The high cost of insurance is very damaging to businesses, individuals, communities, sports clubs and so on. It might be useful to schedule a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy D'Arcy, who is responsibile for financial services and insurance matters to ascertain what he is doing on the cost of insurance. Many of the proposals from his working group and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach have not yet been implemented. It is important for us to receive an update on what is happening and why.

I welcome the appointment of the new HSE director general, Mr. Paul Reid. I knew him when he was chief executive of Fingal County Council. He comes with a reputation for dynamism and activity. He was very involved with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform at the time of the crisis. However, in the health sector 20 of the 23 major capital projects undertaken since 2010 ended up costing more than the agreed contract price. That is no way to budget. It is an absolute scandal that the national children's hospital will cost at least three times the original €650 million and probably much more by the time it is fitted out with all of its equipment. It is important that we keep an eye on how the HSE is spending its money. It is important that it be funded adequately to provide the services required.

The availability of Spinraza, a drug to treat the condition of spinal muscular atrophy, has been raised in the House many times. It is welcome that the NHS has approved it for use in England and Wales, leaving Ireland and Estonia as the only EU countries that are not funding it. It is incumbent on the Leader to bring the Minister for Health into the House to explain where we stand on the availability of Spinraza. I have not yet clarified whether Northern Ireland and Scotland are involved; the NHS announcement seems to be in respect of England and Wales. The Taoiseach has often said if medical treatment is available in one part of the island, it should be available in the other. If it is available in the United Kingdom generally and specifically in Northern Ireland, it is important that we have the same terms here. I, therefore, call for a debate with the Minister for Health on the availability of Spinraza in order that he can outline where he stands on drugs that are being approved in many other EU countries but not here. Most people would appreciate it taking place sooner rather than later.